September 18, 2015

This Is How Far Politicians Will Go for Campaign Cash

Approximately 10,500 feet—vertically—in the case of New Mexico’s GOP Gov. Susana Martinez.

Andres Leighton/AP

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Politicians go to great lengths to please their donors, but New Mexico’s GOP governor Susan Martinez is taking things to a new level. This weekend, she plans to skydive into a fundraiser attended by corporate donors.

Martinez, who has been likened to Sarah Palin (both for her personality and her vice presidential potential) is making the jump to raise money for the Republican speaker of New Mexico’s House of Representatives, Don Tripp. The fundraiser will be attended primarily by corporate lobbyists, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican:

“Nearly 50 corporations, lobbyists and individuals are listed as sponsors of the fundraiser, which will help in the Republican effort during the 2016 elections to maintain control of the state House. The GOP last year won a majority in the House for the first time since 1954. Republicans have a 37-33 advantage over Democrats.”

Among the listed sponsors are natural gas giant Devon Energy, United Healthcare, railroad company BNSF, and “virtual school” company K-12 Inc.

The minimum donation for watching Martinez defy death is a fairly reasonable $75. Organizers expect about 100 people to attend.

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